The next block in the Vintage Christmas Sampler is the Waterwheel Block. I saw several variations of this block in the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns. I drew a few of them out and didn’t like the proportions of the blocks, so I started over and this is the block I ended up with, I hope you like it!
Get the know how after the jump! …
I love this block. It is block number 1316b – Fireflies. It is in the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns and is attributed to James. It is a fun block and great for featuring a printed fabric. This is the next block in my Vintage Christmas Sampler.
I started out as I usually do – sketching the block onto my quilting graph paper to determine the appropriate cutting measurements. Note: when using graphing paper – you are drawing out the FINISHED size of the block – this means you will need to add half an inch to each block to account for seam allowances.
Get the know how after the jump! …
The Wreath Block…this has been the most requested tutorial since I started my Vintage Christmas Sampler…and it is the one block I have been avoiding like the plague. I first found this block at Popular Patch Work – it is a gorgeous block and I immediately fell in love with it. The only problem I had was that it was designed as a 6 inch block and I needed a 12 inch block for my quilt. Needless to say…some fancy quilt math ensued.
Let me also start out with an apology…I did not take very many pictures while making this block – I was so focused on seeing whether I had done the math and the cutting right. (side note: this is also the first time I ever did quarter square triangles…) If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask – I will be more than happy to re-do the block and take more pictures if need be!
Get the tute after the jump! …
In my Vintage Christmas Sampler I wanted to make sure I had some very traditional blocks and also some new blocks that I designed. One of the most basic blocks for any quilter is a nine patch block – so much can be done with a 9 patch block. In the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns there are 3 chapters with over 550 different types of 9 patch blocks! Mine is the most absolute basic.
As I said, this block is super easy and made with large (ish) scraps.
You will need nine 4.5 inch squares – remember this block is versatile and can be done with vintage or with updated modern prints!
Lay out your squares in lots of different arrangements until you find one you like.
Using a 1/4 inch seam – sew your rows together. Press your top row seams to the right, middle row to the left and bottom row to the right again – this will assist you in matching up your squares when finishing the block.
For more vintage block tutorials – check out my Vintage Christmas Sampler Tutorial page.
I drew this block out while standing at my ironing board last Tuesday. I am fairly certain that I am not the first person to make this block – especially when there are books like the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilts. It has 4,000 quilt blocks in it, so I have to believe that even though I drew it out, I’m not the first person to do it!
This block is another example of using Half Square Triangles and basic squares. For more information on constructing Half Square Triangles – please refer to my Chevron Block Tutorial.
Get the know how after the jump! …
